Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The 2023 police constable recruitment exam has been rocked by a major Aadhaar card fraud, with the scam now expanding across nine districts.
Despite 21 FIRs being registered and 22 accused identified so far, no Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and the case has not been handed over to the Special Task Force (STF).
The police headquarters (PHQ) continues with the joining process for selected candidates. Of the 6,423 successful candidates—5,090 male and 1,333 female—only around 3,600 have turned up so far, which is roughly 70%, even though more than a month has passed since the orders were issued in March.Sources said that as of Thursday, only 198 appointment letters had been issued.
Irregularities span across several districts, with cases registered in Morena (7), Shivpuri (6), Sheopur (2) and one each in Indore, Datia, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Rajgarh and Shahdol. One accused was arrested in Patna, Bihar, and another in New Delhi.
Despite the scale of the scam, IG (Law and Order) Anshuman Singh told Free Press that there is no need to form an SIT or hand over the investigation to the STF, claiming that the state police are doing an excellent job.
However, sources said that top PHQ officials are reconsidering this stance, and a decision to involve either the SIT or STF may come soon.
CM warns of crackdown
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to social media to address the issue. He said, “On receiving information about fraud and irregularities in the process of Police Constable Recruitment -2023, I have directed to take strict action. Such criminal acts, in which injustice is done to eligible candidates, will not be tolerated in Madhya Pradesh.”
He said, “Taking suo motu cognizance, biometric data and Aadhaar history of all successful candidates are being thoroughly examined by the Police Headquarters. If prima facie impersonation is found, case has been registered against candidates and strict action will be ensured.”
Vendors, solvers nabbed
IG Anshuman Singh said on Saturday that investigations have revealed the role of Aadhaar card vendors who modified candidate data without proper verification to gain illegal benefits. “Among the 22 accused arrested so far, two are Aadhaar vendors and four are solvers.
No involvement of women has been found. Also, no government servants have been found involved in the scam at this stage,” he said
